Danny Murphy has named Guglielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie in his Premier League Team of the Season so far, admitting that he has been thoroughly impressed with how they have taken to English football.
Vicario has had to adjust to a completely different role from the one he played at Empoli, with Ange Postecoglou not only demanding his number one to be able to sweep in behind Tottenham’s high defensive line but also requiring him to make good decisions under pressure and play out from the back.
In addition, the 27-year-old also faced an uphill task to win over the Spurs fan base, many of whom were not particularly impressed but the club’s decision to sign him over David Raya.
Vicario has managed to pass those tests with flying colours, having quickly become a fan favourite at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, not only because of his ability as a goalkeeper but also due to the passion that he shows on the pitch.
Vicario and Udogie have been hits for Tottenham
The goalkeeper is quickly emerging as one of the leaders of his new Spurs side, and Murphy believes that he has been the best shot-stopper on show in the division so far this season.
The pundit told talkSPORT: “I think a lot of the players I’ve chosen are people who have exceeded expectations and really kicked on to a place I didn’t think they were capable of.
“The Tottenham keeper, Vicario, considering he come as an unknown to many of us, the way he’s adapted so quickly, he’s been brilliant. I think he’s been the standout.”
Murphy also said the same of Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie: “Probably the simplest choice, he’s been the best left-back by a mile. He’s an incredible player. £16 million I think they paid for him. And it shows you can go out into the market and find good players without spending £100 million.”
Heung-min Son was also, unsurprisingly, named on the left of Murphy’s front three.
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It is easy to forget that Vicario has never played for a club anywhere near Tottenham’s size and that he was plying his trade in the lower leagues in Italy just a couple of years ago.
The way he has stepped up and owned the big stage says a lot about the goalkeeper’s personality, with the 27-year-old evidently being someone who thrives in the spotlight.
The same can be said of Udogie, especially at such a young age and playing in a new league.
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